ConStruct a Con - Invent Your Own Fun
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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in the "ConStruct a Con - Invent Your Own Fun" journal:[<< Previous 20 entries]
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10:37 pm
[rbradakis]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/94753055/6934479) [Link] |
Something that might interest y'all - tomorrow!
WHAT: Ann Arbor Mini Maker Faire
WHERE: Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds
5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 29 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free!!!
Local "Makers" will demonstrate robots, bookbinding, electric vehicles, computer-controlled machinery, high-altitude balloons, vortex cannons, and other projects, devices, and inventions at the first Ann Arbor "Mini" Maker Faire, Saturday August 29, at the Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds. Visitors can silkscreen their own t-shirt and learn to solder by making their own "Wee Blinky" electronic circuit to take home. Admission, parking, and all activities are free. Over 25 different groups and individuals from the Ann Arbor and surrounding area are scheduled to exhibit.
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11:01 am
[atdt1991]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/71688569/85449) [Link] |
Constructacon 1 Photos
Further photos can be found at constructacon.org - please feel free to register at the gallery there and upload your own photos!
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06:27 pm
[rbradakis]
[Link] |
Construct 1.0 Lost and Found and/or Hopes and Dreams
Lose anything at Construct?
Find anything that you don't know where it came from?
Wish that someone had supplied something, or alternately, that we hadn't supplied so much of something?
Hope for something for the next Construct?
What's your dream "thing" to have happen at the next Construct?
Random chatting about that right here, in this blog.
I hear that Moonbeam is missing a slicing knife, Matt is missing some pillows and a shaver, I'm missing some sanity and Jer isn't missing anything at all.
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12:01 pm
[jeffreyab]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/92018725/654814) [Link] |
ConStruct pictures posted!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/93373818@N00/sets/72157622130484604/
I had a lot of fun and not nearly enough sleep.
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08:04 am
[jer_]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/75468591/6527576) [Link] |
ConStruct Summary, the Brief Version
I don't have a load of time here, I'm just waiting for some sleeping people to wake so that I can do a final load out of the consuite and prepare to vacate the hotel at long last, but I did want to jot down some notes about the con while it's pretty fresh.
First, thank all of you that came, hung out with us, and paid homage to our Guest of Honor, Carrie Dalton. Some 50-odd folks showed and most of them paid for the registration fee. More important, though, they paid their membership in terms of bringing fun. There was so much going on! Two or three years ago, when I first started batting around the idea of a small social convention with some local SMOFers, one of the chief features I wanted it to have was something to do that mixed newcomer and old so that there was a lower barrier to entry. A room full of long-term friends talking is a forbidding place to walk into if you're anything short of aggressively social; and fandom is not exactly made up of aggressively social folks. Having things to do that mix folks together helps people find common interests, find things to talk about, and givens newcomers "new friends" that can inject them into a lower layer of the social strata.
Those of you that brought ideas for fantastic events at the con provided those "things to do" and it worked far better than I could have imagined.
I didn't see everything that happened, but in no particular order, I saw SMOFing, not one but TWO user-generated concerts, god-awful amounts of gaming, marionette making, beading, a dance, a panel that just GAVE away cash for great ideas, a miracle berry tasting session that has been described to me several times as ConStruct's "LN2 Ice Cream", Rock Band, DDR, and the amazing random acts of random game... and these things made it such that a dude from Florida, several folks that don't even identify as a part of "fandom", a bunch of "old time" fen, tons of the new generation, and a series of random strangers all found themselves sitting in one of two ConSuites Saturday night and Sunday morning laughing, having a great time, and becoming friends. Oh, and I ended up with a pretty sweet necklace out of the deal. All said and done, I think I speak on behalf of the whole board of directors of ConStruct when I say that we will absolutely see you next year.
Oh, and on a final note: I want to take a moment to thank Man of a Thousand Names in particular for creating a massive, time consuming, innovative, and brilliantly executed piece of fun in his Random Acts of Random game. In fact, so inventive was his form of "invent your own fun" that the board determined that we needed one more special position: ConChair.
The ConChair
Selection: A given year's conchair shall be selected Sunday afternoon, at the end of the convention using the following criteria: The individual that took "invent your own fun" to a unique and impressive enough place that their invention is considered to be the lead feature of that particular convention. Plainly speaking, whoever brought the most fun to the most people in a way that is purely subjective and largely decided upon by the board (as influence by whomever is sitting in the room when the decision is being made, probably over too little sleep and too much alcohol) shall be named conchair of that con.
Duties: Duties will be entirely limited to the invention of a piece of fun at the convention that is so unique and impressive that it is considered to be the lead feature of that particular convention. That having already been done prior to the selection process, the actual duties to be performed will have retroactively been done already and attributed to the massively successful conchair.
It should be noted, then, that the conchair can never be considered unsuccessful, and any convention related failures are entirely the fault of any board members not standing within earshot at the time (at this point, I am blaming ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) rbradakis and earthenwood for any failures that have occurred under MoaTN's regime.
ConStruct 1 - 2009 (aka Plaidicon 2)
ConChair: Man of a Thousand Names
Guest of Honor: Carrie Dalton
Estimated Attendance: 52
Wrist Band Color: An ill-advised purple (which is, at least at many hospitals, the Do Not Resuscitate wrist band color...oops)
Fun Had: Inestimable
Now I'm off to wake up some sleeping folks by packing boxes. This will be somewhat crossposted.
Current Location: Best Western, Ann Arbor
Current Mood:  exhausted
Current Music: Sleeping Sounds
Tags: cons, construct, conventions
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11:34 am
[rbradakis]
[Link] |
Animals and Construct
It has just come to our attention (because we didn't think about it until just now) that we really needed to create a rule about animals and Construct.
The hotel allows pets. There is public space that you can hang out outside of the Consuite and visit with people and include your pet.
But please understand that as we have a group of people that tend to be allergic to animals, we can not allow them into the Consuite or the function space. This will restrict the animal-friendliness of the con.
Just so you know.
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10:03 am
[earthenwood]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/91463477/13972430) [Link] |
Exquisite Adventure
I am planning an event at ConStruct this weekend, on Saturday morning (time and place to be determined)
The Exquisite Adventure drawing game! This will be fun... We will roll out a long piece of paper, and set upon it with magic markers. I will be guiding the adventure, and there will be interaction between the players, and their drawing areas. This is sort of a mix between pictionary, musical chairs, and some of the Surrealist parlor games like "Exquisite Corpse" and "Eat Poop, You Cat!" It is intended for people with no drawing skills and accomplished artists alike. In fact, I think it may brocess itself will become less mystifying and precious, and less about Art and more about Process. It will be a lot of fun to run this adventure. Hope to see you there!
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09:57 am
[filkertom]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/62836888/2338425) [Link] |
ConStruct-A-Concert
The Saturday afternoon concert I offered to do is scheduled at 11:00 p.m.
No.
Sorry, but... no. That will not work. I will not be there.
Given the schedule as currently posted, I'm thinkin' either 1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. What do you all think?
Poll #1446855 ConStruct-A-Concert
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 9What time should Tom sing?
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03:16 pm
[matt_arnold]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/89647232/2882778) [Link] |
Photograpy at ConStruct
Who's bringing their cameras to ConStruct? Please take pictures if you can! Heck, let's stage photos! If you've seen the end credits of "The Hangover", you know what I'm talking about. Let's make a fake photoessay of the weekend and see how outrageous we can make the "evidence footage" so that everyone who wasn't there will be know they missed out on history in the making! Oh, the stories we'll be able to tell in years to come about the first ConStruct. And we'll have the photos to prove it! Leave your suggestions in the comments so we can remember to make or pick up things on the way that we might need, like red food coloring and corn syrup for fake blood.
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11:38 am
[earthenwood]
[Link] |
Bead 'n' Bitch Event
Looking for something crafty to do this weekend at ConStruct? Come join me for a Bead 'n' Bitch! I will be cleaning out my studio, which contains an insane assortment of glass, stone, and seed beads that I would love to share (aka get rid of). Spend some time chatting, relaxing, and playing in the shiny beads!
Are you a total n00b when it comes to beady crafts? Don't worry! I will show you how to make a simple bracelet and/or a pair of earrings with a casual lesson.
Already a seasoned beady pro? Join us with your own beads, bring projects that are giving you trouble, or lend a hand in teaching others. If you have round nose or chain nose pliers and wire cutters to share, it would be appreciated!
The Bead 'n' Bitch will take place Saturday afternoon at ConStruct. Check the boards at the con for the exact time and place!
Bead Long and Prosper! :p
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11:08 am
[sheryl67]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/71523962/10772915) [Link] |
Construct Idea List
I was awake about 4am last night my mind spinning from all of the ideas and excitement. jer_, rbradakis, the kids, and I spent HOURS yesterday shopping for the consuite. It's going to be awesome!
It's all about items that I thought someone might bring to Construct
Ideas for "Fun Grants"
Games
Legos
Craft supplies (knitting, beading, puppet making stuff)
Camera
Face paint
Video camera
Art supplies
Music
Musical instruments
Drink Contest Supplies for ABC: Alcoholic Beverages of ConStruct
Swim suit
80's clothes for Prom
Your imagination
Friends
So far people have come up with a lots of fun ideas for things that they want to do. This is a very small sample. By no means should you let this list limit your imagination. As long as it's not illegal, won't cause us to pay damages to the hotel, and isn't too lewd in public (PG for public areas, please), you should let your imagination run free.
Current Location: The CAstle
Current Mood:  excited
Tags: construct, consuite, ideas
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01:57 pm
[rbradakis]
[Link] |
Construct Wednesday OFF for this week.
After a weekend of having garage sale and then going out to the Construct hotel on Thursday, we would have to be complete idiots to also host a Wednesday night gathering with all the work that entails, too.
So, sorry about that, peeps, we'll probably host again next week, but we need the night off.
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10:28 am
[sheryl67]
[Link] |
A Major Announcement
As many of you know, next weekend there will be a relaxacon taking place in Ann Arbor at the Best Western (http://constructacon.org for more details). In the theme of "creating your own fun", AASFA would like to launch a new program that we have been eager to try out; a creative microgrant designed to help finance the invention of new fun at the con! Here is how it will work:
Your Part:Come up with an idea, something you want to do at the con that will enhance the experience for the rest of the attendees, and figure out a plan of action. Put that together in an informal proposal that includes WHAT you are going to do, HOW you are going to do it, and how much it COSTS. Show up Saturday morning at 11am to "pitch" your informal (did I mention that it is INFORMAL?) proposal.
Our Part:The board will convene on Saturday at 11am and review the proposals and decide, on the spot, whether or not to provide financial aid for the endeavor. Those that are chosen will be immediately handed cash with which to make things happen.
The goal is for you guys to do something new and innovative, or old and fun...but to bring something to the convention that wouldn't be there otherwise. These grants are designed to be small, as in, around or less than $100, so please keep your notions reasonable and able to be done during the weekend itself.
If you have any questions, please email aasfa@stilyagi.org and we'd be happy to provide whatever direction we can.
The proceedings should be entertaining, even for those not actively seeking a loan, so all are invited to come out and see the process; it might even spark a creative idea in you! We look forward to seeing you and your ideas there!
The AASFA Board
Current Location: The Castle
Tags: aasfa, construct.
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04:15 pm
[sorcycat]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/90065152/5237507) [Link] |
Interest in event organization software demo?
Salutations. I heard about this con from matt_arnold and netmouse .
I'm a con-runner myself - been working on U-Con (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif) ucon ) for 8 years. During the course of my time at U-Con I've developed a website for organizing our event. It's main purpose is organizing small, mostly-attendee-driven events (typically 250 of them for the convention weekend) which are organized before hand. The website tracks all pre-registration materials for our convention (event submission, scheduling, convention and individual event signup) and is the main source of event information for our (typically) more than 500 attendees.
I'm trying to figure out what to do with the event organization software. I could commercialize it or go open source, but in either case I need parties interested in using it! (In the latter case, I need people interested in developing for it as well.)
Is anyone interested in seeing a demo of the software? I'm also generally interested in talking about con-running in general, but I'd really like to see this system in which I've invested a lot of time used for more than just U-Con.
Any takers?
Current Mood:  curious
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02:54 pm
[jeffreyab]
[Link] |
A survey for a panel I am doing at ConStruct:
I would like to do a talk about the 1959 Hugo Awards and how science fiction has or has not changed since then. Therefore I would like you to indicate which of the following you may have read.
Poll #1443503 1959 Hugo Awards I have read the following:
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 11Best Novel Best Novelette Best Short Story Best SF or Fantasy Movie (Have Seen in This Case) Novel Authors of the 1959 Hugo Awards I have read: Short Fiction Authors of the 1959 Hugo Awards I have read:
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10:26 am
[jer_]
![[User Picture]](http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/74180010/6527576) [Link] |
Beer!
I forgot to post, the beer has been ordered for the con, a quarter barrel of Bell's Oberon (a beer I used to look forward to coming into season back in my more beer-soaked days) and a half barrel of Woodchuck's Hard Cider (because I've seen you guys tearing through that stuff like Superman through a phone book). I am still looking around for a two-tap jockey box to dispense this beer, I have a pair of one-tap setups available, but...well, that's messy.
There isn't much more to this update than just that... which brings to mind a question: should we have a ConStruct Twitter for such quick flash messages? Ooh, a poll!!!
Poll #1442993 Does ConStruct need a Twitter feed?
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 10So, a Twitter account?
Oh, I guess there is more, don't forget to visit the Castle today between 5:30 and 9:30 for deep fried pickles (and other stuff, I'm sure), conversation, and other fun. ConStruct Wednesday is ON!
Current Location: Home
Current Mood:  crazy
Current Music: Good Times - Finger Eleven
Tags: cons, construct
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10:18 am
[sheryl67]
[Link] |
Perfect Pickle Party
Hopefully none of my friends have the issue seen in this video. Otherwise, I'm sure they will not appreciate my choice of themes for this weeks Wednesday gathering.
Poor kid. I hope she got over her pickle phobia. Cause they are delicious!
In case you missed the post with the dancing pickles yesterday, I'll be making pickle soup and fried pickles today. The grill will also be open for anything that you would like to throw on there.
Hope to see you later. Hugs.
Current Location: The Castle
Tags: wed gathering
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10:20 pm
[earthenwood]
[Link] |
Proms, Punky, and Pickles!
I am so excited about Construct coming up! And the 80's Prom on Friday is a really big part of it! I am working on a costume for it based on one of my early style icons, Punky Brewster. I loved her spunky attitude and her bright colors and mis-matched clothes! So the 80's theme was a great opportunity for me to go and get some neon rubber bracelets and bright paint, and I am going to paint up some jeans and a vest to wear for the dance. I really want to capture that Punky look, but I am going to give it a bit of a Melanie twist... can you guess what that twist might be? I am planning to come out to the Castle tomorrow for the Construct Planning/Pickle Party, and I will be bringing some of my projects to work on for my outfit. I hope to see you there! |
11:49 am
[sheryl67]
[Link] |
Pickle Day at the Castle!
Our Wednesday Gathering theme is Pickles!
earthenwood made some kick ass pickles the other day and it got me thinking about one of my favorite foods! I'll be making some pickle soup. If I can talk someone into bringing a deep fryer over, we can also do deep fried pickles, which I've never had, but hear are wonderful.
The grill will be open for things not soaked in vinegar.
Wear your favorite green shirt, grab a jar of your favorite pickle, and come on over!
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09:24 am
[sheryl67]
[Link] |
Testing the Limits Of the Postal Service
From http://www.postcrossing.com/blog
To Mr. Cheng
On the last post, some of you wondered what kind of objects can be sent through mail. Well, here's a cool project that tests the limits of postal services (and their patience too!): To Mr. Cheng. http://www.to-mr-cheng.com/
Artist Eric Ericson, from Sweden, spent a few years sending all kinds of unwrapped objects through the mail: food, a skeleton, a baby doll, books, vinyl records, a pair of glasses, individual playing cards... you name it.
The result is a fascinating minimalist website and book (published in Sweden but we hope they make it available in Amazon soon!).
Current Location: The Castle
Current Mood: amused
Tags: construct
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